50 BEAUVAIS, LATE XVII CENTURY
Wool and Silk.
H. 10 ft.
W. 8 ft. 8 in.
Lent by Mrs. James Creelman.
HERMES AND THE SHEPHERD: Hermes has taken the Shepherd's pipe, leaving the caduceus on the ground, and is attempting to play. They are in a wood with large flowers in the foreground. In the background there is a glimpse of a hilly landscape and a formal garden with fountains. Wide floral border.
The piece is one of a set of five verdures, most of which have hunting scenes. While there is no signature, and there are no records on them, the character of the foliage and of the floreation makes it almost certain that these are of Beauvais manufacture. While in some details they resemble contemporary Aubusson tapestries, the quality of the color is rather different.
They are a particularly deep and quiet type of verdure, an excellent background for fine furnishings. The quality of the greens is uncommonly fine.
51 BEAUVAIS, BEGINNING OF XVIII CENTURY
Wool and Silk.
H. 10 ft. 9 in.
W. 13 ft. 3 in.
Lent by Dikran K. Kelekian.
VERDURE WITH DANCING NYMPHS: In a wooded dell are four nymphs dancing. Beyond is a glimpse of an open pasture with cows.
The strong and brilliant trees throw into sharp contrast the delicate perfection of the bit of landscape beyond. The nymphs are probably after Noël Coypel. The use of the red to relieve the general tone of green is especially successful.
52 BEAUVAIS, 1685-1711